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Summer Research

Program in Biomedical Data Science

May 29 to August 4, 2018

The summer research program in Biomedical Data Science (BDS) gives undergraduate students the opportunity to explore careers in biostatistics, bioinformatics, and biomedical big data by working closely with faculty and staff mentors. Such an experience is ideal for students with strength in mathematics and computer sciences who enjoy working with computers and numbers and wish to apply their skills to solving real world problems in biomedical research. There are approximately 50 faculty members actively involved in a wide variety of research activities, including brain image analysis, clinical trials, electronic health records, epidemiology, genomics, experimental design and analysis of laboratory studies.

Goals

The general goals of BDS program are to provide qualified undergraduates with an opportunity to:

• Gain direct research experience in the field of biomedical data science

• Learn tools and skills that will promote successful admission to post-baccalaureate programs

• Explore a career opportunities in biomedical data science

Activities

Students will participate in various research-related activities:

• Work one-on-one with a faculty/staff mentor on a chosen research topic,

• Participate in workshops covering statistical methods, research topics of interest, ethics related to scientific research, and professional career opportunities

• Enjoy scholarly, cultural, and social activities with participants in other summer research programs on the University of Wisconsin - Madison campus,

• Present their work at the end of the summer to other participants (and maybe even at other conferences: SACNAS; ABRCMS; ENAR; JSM)

Financial Support

The BDS program is designed to be accessible to undergraduates who might not otherwise have this kind of research opportunity. There is no cost for program participation. In addition, a stipend is provided to each student, and housing and travel costs are covered. Underrepresented minority, low-income, and first-generation college students are strongly encouraged to apply, as are students from smaller institutions without broad research facilities.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in an accredited college/university, majoring in either a quantitative science or in biology, and have successfully completed at least one year of calculus.

• African American, Hispanic, Native American, Southeast Asian, Native Alaskan or Native Pacific Islander, OR students (of any ethnic background) who are McNair scholars, OR students who attend small liberal arts institutions without broad research facilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Students with disabilities are welcome. Accomodations are available! For more information please visit www.mcburney.wisc.edu

• Preference will be given to students who will have completed their junior year and who have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0.